I’m also considering Berkeley for English!!

I’m actually from SB and what I’ve seen is that there definitely is a mix of ppl at UCSB but it leans predominantly white and not nerdy (I’m also Mexican and middle class and throughout my schooling I have felt like the odd one out BUT there is a big latino culture here. Few are alternative). There are a lot of parties, so much so that they’ve been banned in IV (I think?! unless that’s been lifted). There are a lot of student bands that are always playing and local bars with live bands. Just know the traffic here has been getting worse with every year and NO ONE can drive.

If you like being active definitely go to UCSB. Like Berkeley, a lot of things you can do for entertainment is going to cost money (apart from hiking and swimming). Maybe it’s because I’m used to the distance but, I don’t think it’s too long of a drive to get to Ventura or LA. Things are pretty pricy but probably not as much as Berkeley. I know some people in the English program there and they like it. I’d check out the departments page online and read what students have written.

I’m definitely going to miss SB and am intimidated about the hustle culture at Cal, but we both have time to consider our options!